HIV infection and sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men in Senegal

Abstract

Men who have sex with men in Senegal are highly infected with HIV and other STI. Intervention programs targeting this population are urgently needed, given their particular vulnerability and because infections are likely to disseminate into the general population given the high proportion of bisexual activity in this community.

Grand challenges in chronic non-communicable diseases

“…This population of men who have sex with men could serve as a potential bridge for HIV transmission to women who ordinarily would be at low risk of infection. Only about half of the men in the study reported using condoms during sex with men or women in the previous month (Wade et al, 2005). (Akwara et al, 2005).…”

“…However, prevalence remains high in Addis Ababa overall (where it has remained at 14%-16% since the mid-1990s) and in other urban areas (where it has stayed between 11% and 13% in the same period) (Hladik et al, 2006 Research is identifying a previously hidden aspect of the epidemic in Senegal: the role of sex between men as a risk factor for HIV infection. Conducted in five urban areas (Dakar, Kaolack, Mbour, Saint-Louis and Thiés), a study has found HIV prevalence of 22% in men who have sex with men, most of whom (94%) said they also had sex with women (Wade et al, 2005). This population of men who have sex with men could serve as a potential bridge for HIV transmission to women who ordinarily would be at low risk of infection.…”

Breaking the silence: South African HIV policies and the needs of men who have sex with men

“…16 In Africa, the first HIV sero-prevalence survey among MSM was conducted in Senegal in 2005. 13 The study found an HIV prevalence of 21.5% among MSM, compared to 0.2% among adult males overall. 13 Similarly, a survey of MSM in Kenya between 2005-2007 found an HIV prevalence of over 40%, compared to 6.1% among Kenyan adults aged 15-49 years.…”

“…13 The study found an HIV prevalence of 21.5% among MSM, compared to 0.2% among adult males overall. 13 Similarly, a survey of MSM in Kenya between 2005-2007 found an HIV prevalence of over 40%, compared to 6.1% among Kenyan adults aged 15-49 years. 17 It has been hypothesised that HIV prevalence among MSM in South Africa may also exceed that in the general population 18 but evidence is lacking.…”

“…11 However, the prevalence of HIV infection among MSM in developing countries is sometimes not indicative of the overall HIV prevalence in the general population. [12][13][14][15] A recent systematic review of HIV among MSM in lowand middle-income countries found that the prevalence of HIV among MSM exceeded that in the general population in 37 of 38 countries for which information was available, and that in many countries the prevalence of HIV among MSM was several-fold higher than in the general population. 16 In Africa, the first HIV sero-prevalence survey among MSM was conducted in Senegal in 2005.…”